As a blind person, I have to constantly remind myself that the world is not simply divided into darkness and light. In reality, there are myriad degrees of darkness and intensities of light. I don’t know if the old phrase is literally true that it is always darkest before the dawn, but I do know that in human endeavor, social change, and global progress, it is always darkest before someone turns on the light.
Those who simply curse the darkness have a powerful voice until one enlightened or determined individual turns on the light. Then the naysayers, complainers, and critics simply fade into obscurity.
I have heard it said and often repeated that there has never been a monument erected to a critic. The most widely-read book among achievers and successful people is Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Hill turned on the light in the midst of a vast darkness. Many of us who have written and shared our ideas since the time of Napoleon Hill have mostly reflected his light to extinguish the darkness around us.
Among Hill’s many breakthrough concepts was the idea that in every adversity there is a seed of a greater good. If we extend this into our lives, every opportunity comes disguised as a problem or challenge. The whole world is hoping and praying for a great idea, and they trip over one about three times each week but fail to recognize it because it appears to be a problem. All you need do to have a great idea is to go through your daily routine, wait for something bad to happen, and ask the powerful question, “How could I have avoided that?” The answer to that question is a great idea. To extend the concept a bit further, all you need to do to have a great business is to ask one further question. “How can I help other people avoid that problem?”
The world will give you fame, fortune, and security if you will focus on them and help them solve their problems, but if you choose to stand in the darkness and curse the current conditions as opposed to simply turning on the light, you are destined to live an unremarkable and frustrating existence.
Whenever possible in pointing out a problem to a colleague, friend, or family member, bring a potential solution to the discussion of the problem. You can succeed in business and in life if you become known as a problem-solver. In any organization, the person who solves the problems rises to the top. People want to be around that individual and follow them. On the other hand, the person who constantly curses the darkness by pointing out every problem without offering or even considering a solution becomes someone to avoid.
As you go through your day today, use the darkness as an opportunity to let your light shine.
Today’s the day!
Jim Stovall is the president of Narrative Television Network, as well as a published author of many books including The Ultimate Gift. He is also a columnist and motivational speaker. He may be reached at 5840 South Memorial Drive, Suite 312, Tulsa, OK 74145-9082; by email at Jim@JimStovall.com; on Twitter at www.twitter.com/stovallauthor; or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimstovallauthor.
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